Afghanistan diary: Settling in

Corporal Lachlan MacNeil is serving in Afghanistan as section commander of Section 1, 2 Platoon, A Company, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which deployed to Helmand province in mid-April. He has been writing a diary for the Guardian and before his deployment he introduced some of those in his section. Here, Cpl MacNeil gives an update on how they are doing several weeks into their tour

Pte Nick (Princess) Whelan has had a major setback. He cannot wear his Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses because they provide no ballistic protection. At first, he thought we were winding him up because our boss, Mr Bevan, was wearing them. However, he was in no doubt whatsoever when Westy [Company Sergeant Major West] gave him a timely, accurate and well-thought-out career brief, much to the amusement of the rest of the section. Princess is now trying to reinvent himself minus the glasses. Other than this, he has had a good week and is an excellent minigunner and a solid performer.

Pte Kieran (The Quiet One) Connelly has surprised me this week – he has come right out of his shell and is fast becoming the strongest member of the section. He led the Jocks well in the compound and passed back to me timely, accurate information during an attack on the compound. He was the soldier I was worried about the most before deploying here, but after this week I have no doubts at all about him.

Pte Robert (How You Doin') Templeton is slowly but surely finding his feet. The fact he is TA serving with seven Scottish blokes and didn't come to us until January means he is playing catch-up with the remainder of the Jocks in the section. Nevertheless, he is keen and willing to learn. I appreciate the fact he volunteered to come here, and give him credit where it's due. If I was a civvy, there is no way you would catch me in Afghanistan. He is good for morale and has some stories to tell – the one about the talking budgie being a right rib tickler.

Air Trooper Gareth (High Tower) Millen is quickly settling into the section and the Scottish way of doing things. He is a keen, fit, strong soldier who has embraced his new role as an infantryman. He is never afraid to ask if he does not fully understand what is required of him. He and Connelly take great pleasure in winding each other up at every available opportunity. He's a good lad with a good sense of humour and loves the Scottish saying: "I'll go fuckin' bush."

Private Dean (Ram Bone) Jack is now my second in command, having had to step up to the role after our arrival here. He has settled in well and is a well-liked and respected member of the section. I have no doubts of his ability whatsoever. He shows a level of maturity beyond his young age. A loving husband and dad, he misses his young family. This is only to be expected, but he does not let it affect his performance in any way.